Georgia's Last game of the Season

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Sheep of New Zealand

I love sheep and where better to see some but in New Zealand...even pink ones!

Hundertwasser Toilets

On our way to the Bay of Islands I saw on the map a site marked Toilets. We thought this as very strange as why would the map tell us where the toilets were. Well, we stopped on our back to Auckland and saw why......


Hundertwasser Toilets – A Convenient Stop


Northland

Don’t let clinical, cold-metalled toilet seats goose pimple your road trip up north!
No, hold on until Kawakawa, gateway to the Bay of Islands and home to the king of all public conveniences: the Hundertwasser toilets.
A brightly coloured archway greets visitors as they arrive at this quintessential Northland town. Sculptured columns beckon those with crossed legs to make their way to its loos of renown.

 

Tufts of native grass adorn the roof, a tree is incorporated into the structure, and mosaic tiling, copper handwork, sculptures and cobblestone flooring abound.

Designed by internationally-renowned artist, ecologist and architect, Freidrich Hundertwasser, he recycled the community’s old glass bottles and reclaimed bricks, and incorporated these into the only structure he ever built in the Southern Hemisphere.

Outside this very quirky and creative structure, you’ll see other gems: vivid pottery columns, mosaic shop fronts, an adobe bench seat, and little railway carriage tiles that pave a route in the footpath (drawing upon the town’s old coal mining past) leading to the little vintage railway station at the end of town.

Scenes from North Island NZ

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Orakei Korako - the hidden valley

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Orakei Korako is situated on the Waikato River at Lake Ohakuri, which is a Hydro-Electric power plant. The name Orakei Korako can be interpreted as “Place of Adorning”. Maori women used the pool to bath and beautify themselves for ceremonies.


At present, there are up to 23 active natural geysers that play freely throughout the area. There is a vast number of boiling hot springs to view at Orakei Korako as well as mud pools and there are extensive bush walks to enjoy through areas of native flora and fauna.

The highlight for many visitors on the walk through the valley is the thermal Ruatapu Cave (sacred hole). The cave extends 120 ft down to a hot pool at the bottom named “Waiwhakaata”, which means "pool of mirrors".

A diary entry for the 11 March 1850 recorded that the Maoris lived in this spot “to spare their woman the trouble of procuring wood for fuel. They seldom light a fire; everything is cooked in the springs.”

The exact date that the Ngati Tahu people vacated Orakei Korako to settle elsewhere is not recorded, but it is likely that they left soon after the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886.

By the turn of the century, all but two families had moved from Orakei Korako.

The earliest known route from Rotorua to Taupo for early European travelers passed right through Orakei Korako.

The Maori people provided a dug out canoe for the river crossings. In the early 1900’s the geothermal area was already established as a visitor attraction.

A dug-out was used until the 1930's to transfer visitors across the then swift Waikato River. Afterwards, a wire strop and pulley system was placed across the river to make the crossing easier.

In April 1937, a Rotorua company called Orakei Korako Ltd obtained a 21 year lease with the right of renewal for another 21 years.

The road was improved for motor traffic and a punt was installed to transport visitors across the river.

Orakei Korako was officially opened as a tourist resort on 15 December 1937.

Scenes from the BBC Natural History Series "Walking with Dinosaurs" were filmed here. There are an abundance of natural beauty preserved by its isolation from the outside world - hence the description "hidden valley"

A hidden valley of color, hot springs, gushing geysers and breath taking natural beauty.The cave and thermal park now caters to a large number of both domestic and international visitors but the hidden valley still retains the beauty and serenity that it has always held.

Whangarei with Keith and Liane

Finally made it to visit Keith and Liane. Had a great time! Liane's mom and nephew were also visiting. Met up first for a beer and then headed back to their newly renovated house in Woodhill for a BBQ. Fell in love with Jim (their dog) . We comsumed a fair bit of food and wine and had lots of fun!
Liane is still busy with her pottery along with many other ventures.
The best souvenier of my trip is my little kiwi that Liane had made. I just love him!.
Thanks Liane and Keith for a great visit and we hope to see you again real soon!

Parihaka, Whangarei New Zealand

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